World wine consumption falls 1%

Global consumption of wine fell by 1% in 2008, according to a new report - the third consecutive year in which the industry failed to achieve growth.

The calculation has been made in the 2008 edition of the Global Drinks Market: Impact Databank Review and Forecast.

The publication reports that world wine consumption stands at 2.65 billion 9-litre cases.

Declines in western Europe cancelled out gains made in emerging markets, the report says. And it warns that the global recession will continue to hit drinks producers, meaning that a return to growth for wine suppliers may still be some time away.

The world's 25 biggest-selling wine brands accounted for less than 8% of the global market last year, the report claims.